Psychology

<<study of the mind and behaviour>>

This is a broad field covering the study of human thought, behaviour, personality, emotion and motivation, to enable a deeper insight into our actions as well as understanding others better. Thoughts, actions and feelings can be influenced by many factors including social pressures and biological stimuli.

Our soul is defined as comprising the mind (both conscious and unconscious), will and emotions. The mind, which is the reasoning and thinking part of us, is the focus of the internal battle. Will we yield ourselves to the Lordship of Christ or will Satan and the desires of the un-crucified life take dominance? “…you are slaves to the one whom you

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind – Romans 12:2

obey – whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness” (Rom 6:16). This is why the Bibles says we are to “Guard our heart [decision making faculty] more than any treasure, for it is the well spring of life” (Prov 4:23). The thoughts embedded there either hold us in bondage or are the means of us experiencing freedom in Christ. Negative memories that have not been addressed, wrong beliefs and unfounded fears are all destructive influences that will attack a healthy self-esteem and affect our view of life in general. This is why it is essential to feed our minds on what is wholesome and uplifting, if we desire our thoughts and attitudes (that formulate our words and actions), to be pleasing to God. Our mind can be transformed as we fill it with and meditate on the Scriptures, which will enable us to speak out His words in faith and confidence into our lives and situations (Josh 1:8; Ps 1:1-3, 119:9,11,93; Rom 12:1,2). We are to take control of our thoughts because when spoken out we are held captive by them (Prov 6:2, 18:21; 2 Cor 10:5).

Envisage what you want to be, so the mind can subconsciously try to outwork that dream; acting that way is the basis of self-fulfilling prophecy. We do not know or understand the huge capabilities that can be attained by the mind being focused on a certain topic. What the mind conceives, the body seeks to achieve using the enormous creative forces that can be harnessed, either for good or evil purposes (Prov 23:7). Besides scrutinising the input from the media and life in general, feed good wholesome thoughts into your brain, so you have a sound perspective on life. Our thoughts should be resembling those of Christ, who is working in us.

Counselling is one tool that can help us come to an understanding of who we are in Christ and find meaning in our lives. However, it is not a quest to find worth in and of ourselves or to find healing apart from God rather it should confirm our position of security in Christ and show ways to appropriate His victory over Satan into our lives. It is essential to recognise that neither the counsellor nor the client is the healer – only the Holy Spirit can truly heal and transform the soul.

Secular psychology only focuses on man and his ideas, and does not acknowledge the spiritual component that requires God's input to bring about the desired wholeness. Hypnosis is a non-Christian method of seeking to dominate or change the mental perception by suggestion. We should not engage in this or any other process where we are not in full control of our mental capabilities. Likewise, illicit drugs do irreparable damage to the minds of those who take them.

Look for the potential in others, and speak encouraging, positive words to them, as you also affirm yourself.